The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-04-17

nous writer. was born OF respecta-
BILE parentage, near the Potomac, IN
Virginia, on che 9th Of July. in the
year lfbo."
That is all the biographer, who
becomes eulogistic enough when he
reaches other important events in the
career, has TO say about Gen. Posey's
birth.
WASHINGTON AT EIGHTEEN.
In 1750 George Washington was a
young man Of IS. His father had
been burned out on Pope's creek in
Maryland, q short distance from the
Potomac, aud had moved to a farm
near fredericksburg. But George
was living with his brother Lawrence
at Mount Vernon, on the banks Of
the Potomac, the elder having un-
dertakea to bring up and care for
the younger. As the heir Of his
brother. George Washington subse-
guenly oame into possession OF
Mount Vernon. According to the
biographies, Washington in these
years OF his carly manhood spent the
summers in active outdoor life, and
the winters with his books.
A few months after the date given
for the birth of Thomas Possy, there
came break in the monotony of life
at Mount Vernon. Lawrence Wash
ing on suddenly departed for the
West Indies. taking George with
him. The usual explanation OF this
trip given in the biographies is that
Lawrence went on account of i'll
health. Why he took his brother is
not made clear. In the Barbados
George Washington contracted small
pox, and the pits in his face were
discernible TO the day of his death.
PosEY's YOUTH.
All that has been published of the
antecedents OF Thomas Posey is EN-.
braced in the single sentence quoted
above. His biographer is just as
brief in speaking Of the distinguished
mans youth. The sketch proceeds:
I'm 1T69 he had received tolera-
BILE English education, and as he was
to inherit no fortune, his enterpris-
ing spirit ind uced him at that early
age to seek a residence in the west
ern part Of Virginia near the from
tiers"
BY turning to any history, the
reader will fad in the period, in
Guiding 1859. Washington was max
ing frequent visits to the western
part Of Virginia, and spending much
OF his time there looking after in
terests no had acquired. He had
some years previously married the
widow GUSTS. and in referring to
this event, several of the biographers
speak of Washington as having had
zone or two affairs which had turned
out unfortunately"
In 1774 trouble with the indians
broke out on the Western Virginia
frontier. the savages being melted to
hostilities by British emissaries.
Washington was prominent in the
campaign which was pnaugurated.
The sketch of Thomas Posey says
that young man received an appoint
ment in the quartermaster' depart
ment. A little later Washington
was at the head of the Continental
forces, aud the biography of Posey
says no had joined the army and
young as he was, had been imme
diately appointed a captain. Right
hero brief quotation from the
sketch in the Port Folio belongs:
"Soou after Capt. Posey Joined the
main army, Gen. Washington direct
cd q selection of officers and men t
BIO made from the different corps I,
compose rife regiment, to be com
manded by Col. Daniel Morgan
Young posoy was one of the cap
| AT STONY POINT.
No mention is made of the inhu
ence which gave Posey this commits
sion in tho crack command of thu
Continental army. But q little Later
he showed the blood that was in him
whom Mad Anthony" Wayne lee
the night assault upon Stony Poin
with picked body of officers an,
men. That most brilliant and dar
ing feat of the Revolution callet
from Congress vote of thanks Il
every MAJ who participated in it
and a gold medal for Mad An
thony."
Spare usI" brave Americans
spare uss" the British troops cried
as the assaulting column carrie,
everything before it.
Major Posey," says the record
was the second field officer who en-
tered the enemy's batteries on thi
glorious night, and he gave tn
word, The forts our own.
From Major, Posey rose to Col
onel, and then to Brigadier General
He distinguished himself by per
scnal proves in the Georgia cam
paign, and when the war was over h
settled again in Western Virginit
but did not remain long. From som
source he had inherited restles
spirit of adventure and enterprise
He moved further westward, and i
1910 no was found presiding as Lieu
tenant Governor over the State {
Kentucky. When the war of ISL
came on. Gen. Posey was one of tn
first TO present himself, and wa
placed at the head of the troop
raised by Kentucky When hostili
ties were over, a handsome tribute
Gen. Posey's course was paid by tn
authorities of Kentucky. Leavin
this record behind him, he moved I
J Attakapas, in Louisiana, and wa
sent to the United States Senate
That position he gave up to acceI
tho more important one OF GovernC
aud Commissioner-in- Charge of In
diana Territory. The Governorshi
no held until the admission of Ind
ana az q State.
Wherever Posey went he SCENE
to hare been recognized as one whol
! his fellow citizens delighted I
/ honor.
THE MYSTERIOUS LIKENESS.
washington and poaev lived I